Why Alabama is the Top Destination For 5-Star Recruits originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
It looks like Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has ramped up his recruiting campaign and the commitment chatter is starting to look like it did back when Nick Saban ran the show. Currently, the team only has one 5-star commitment.
And the Crimson Tide are placed really low on almost every ranking. But something is brewing in Tuscaloosa. Latest reports suggest that as many as four 5-star recruits have kept Alabama in their shortlist.
Alabama has shown serious interest in two players from their own state, wide receiver Cederian Morgan and safety Jireh Edwards. Along with that, they are also on the shortlist to get a commitment from running back Ezavier Crowell and linebacker Xavier Griffin.
If Kalen DeBoer and his team are able to reel in all four of these players, analysts believe they will shoot up to the top spot in recruitment class rankings.
On ‘The Next Round’ podcast, hosts Ryan Brown, Jim Dunaway, and Lance Taylor give their take on how Alabama’s recruiting class is shaping up. And why they are still able to make the big moves despite Nick Saban’s deflating exit.
Ryan Brown noted, “Brand is gonna sell man. Alabama is a brand. And I don’t care if Kalen DeBoer didn’t set foot in the state of Alabama before he took the job, that brand is still gonna sell!”
Critics of Kalen DeBoer have argued that the former Washington coach has failed to show recruiting mantle in the south. Thus, a good ranked recruiting class and 5-star commitments from the south will curb the noise.
But the way things work in Alabama, just getting a highly ranked recruiting class will not be enough for coach DeBoer. Within the next couple of years, DeBoer should bring a national championship to stay relevant in Tuscaloosa. But in order to do that, he’ll need to convert these commitments.
Kalen DeBoer is running a program under the overwhelming shadow of Nick Saban’s glorious career. Thus, finding new players who are committed to his style and system will be a massive advantage going forward.
The new recruits who come in, along with the changes to the staff he’s made this year, will help the program unite in their vision under coach DeBoer.
Receiver Cederian Morgan announces his commitment on July 2, 2025. And Jireh Edwards as well as Ezavier Crowell will announce it on July 5, 2025.
Related: Alabama Flips 4-Star QB From Big 12 Powerhouse
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.